Speed Camera Detection Devices

Across the UK there are several different types of vehicle detection methods that are used in conjunction with road enforcement systems. This is how the police know when someone has been speeding and can issue them with the appropriate penalty.

Following is a brief description of the three main types of speed detection device that can be located and identified by using speed camera detection devices in the UK - laser detection radar detection and GPS (which stands for Global Positioning Satellite). Speed camera detection devices can use one or any combination of these technologies.

Dopplar Radar

The Dopplar radar directs a radio signal at a piece of road. The frequency changes that occur when a vehicle drives along the stretch of road will indicate its presence, and how fast the said vehicle is moving.

Laser

Laser Detectors use laser pulses to measure where a vehicle is and from the measurements taken can also work out the speed at which the vehicle is travelling.

Systems using GPS (Global Navigation Satellite System)

GPS is a system that uses 24 satellites orbiting the earth which continuously transmit precise microwave signals. A GPS Receiver uses signals from the satellites to calculate its location.

So how do the Detection Devices work against this technology?

In the case of laser and radar technology, there are two major ways in which they allow a speeding motorist to remain undetected, and therefore escape prosecution:Jamming Signals: There are devices on the market known as ‘jammers’, which scramble the signals sent to the speed cameras so that the camera cannot process or ‘read’ the information.

Passive Detectors: These simply warn the motorist when they are in the vicinity of a speed camera or detection device and alert the driver to their presence.

GPS systems rely on an up to date database of all camera positions and will warn the driver when a camera or detection device is nearby. This is also available on many Satellite Navigation systems via a subscription service which is updated regularly with new camera positions.

Is it legal to use these devices?As of summer 2007, the use of speed camera detectors is still completely legal thanks to legislation that came into force in January 1998. The legislation ruled that it was not illegal to use such devices, which until then had been something of a grey area under the Wireless and telegraphy Act 1949.

There has, however, been a lot of debate on whether or not speed camera detectors should be legal or not: In December 2004 the government issued a press release that proposed changes to the Road Safety Bill which would see radar and laser detectors deemed illegal. However this was dropped in 2005, but it is an issue that is constantly coming up for review again and again. At the time of writing the Road Safety Bill is under another such review, with the government looking at the technology involved in using speed camera detectors, and the devices themselves, with a view to banning 'jammers and detectors'.

In anticipation of changes in the law, many providers of such devices are withdrawing laser and radar detection devices from their shelves. If you’re looking for a such a system, a GPS based detection system is likely to be the best choice as you can buy one that includes a radar and laser detection module that you can simply disable should such restrictions be introduced, and still use the GPS based speed camera database which will remain legal.

Please remember that Speed Camera Detection Devices should not be used as an instrument to assist 'safe speeding'. It's not always that easy to figure out what the speed limit is when you are driving, especially in areas such as dual carriageways and country roads where the speed can alter dramatically - sometimes going from the national speed limit along country lanes, right down to 30mph when you enter a village or residential area. Speed Camera Detectors give you advance warning which can help you realise that you need to slow down to ensure that you are driving within the set speed limit, which has been set to ensure the safety of pedestrians and road users alike.

Good Afternoon
Would you kindly advise what qualifications a member of ADISP must have to run a speed awareness course

Fish - 20-Feb-18 @ 4:43 PM

I have a speeding notice for driving at 35mph in a 30mph zone. I am eligible for a speed awareness course which is £88, will I still have to pay the £100 fine?

p***edOff - 20-Dec-17 @ 12:02 PM

I have been caught speeding 37mph in a 30mph zone. I have received the Notice of intended prosecution form. Sent it back, i am the driver of the vehicle. The police have offered me a speed awareness course as an alternative to going to court and receiving points on my license. The course was offered to me locally I agreed to take the course on the condition i take the course locally. However, according to the terms and conditions, i have to book a local course online. When i try to book online, i am always getting technical problems and i am unable to do so. When i try to complain to the police, they are as much use as a chocolate tea pot. Finding ways of wrangling their way round everything in my complaint letter. The problem now is, the course is no longer available in my local area. It has closed down. Paul.

Rob Banks - 9-Aug-17 @ 9:57 PM

jo - Your Question:

I have recieved a letter to go on a course for being caught speeding I had my car broken into with my handbag taken with the letter in plus my drivers licence now I cant find a number to phone someone to explain my situation I dont want to get further charges for being a victim of crime many thanks

Our Response:

Contact the police force for the area in which you were caught speeding. Their website should have a section for motoring offences, if not, call the main switchboard and ask to be put through to the relevant department.

NoPenaltyPoints - 9-Aug-17 @ 2:27 PM

i have recieved a letter to go on a course for being caught speeding i had my car broken into with my handbag taken with the letter in plus my drivers licence now i cant find a number to phone someone to explain my situation i dont want to get further charges for being a victim of crime many thanks

jo - 8-Aug-17 @ 1:13 PM

Kay - Your Question:

I was pulling out from small road to 30mph road, it was also a corner - then drove up the hill for 100m and probably doing 40mph at that point when I spotted a mobile camera police van parks on the right handside of the road about 100m from my car. The front of the van facing me. Once I realized it was a police van, I slowed down to 25mph and drove pass them. I felt awful now as I am normally careful. I have had my license only 10 months and now worries that I would get fine and also penalty point. Any idea??

Our Response:

This depends on whether you were caught and what speed you were doing. If you were still doing 40mph, you're just within the guideline limit for a speed awareness course, but these are offered entirely at the police's discretion so it's not a certainty. The alternative might be a £100 fine and 3 penalty points.

NoPenaltyPoints - 19-May-17 @ 2:12 PM

I was pulling out from small road to 30mph road, it was also a corner - then drove up the hill for 100m and probably doing 40mph at that point when I spotted a mobile camera police van parks on the right handside of the road about 100m from my car. The front of the van facing me. Once I realized it was a police van, I slowed down to 25mph and drove pass them.
I felt awful now as I am normally careful. I have had my license only 10 months and now worries that I would get fine and also penalty point. Any idea??

Kay - 18-May-17 @ 4:25 PM

I got caught speeding, I have an opportunity to attend a Speed Awareness Workshop, I have attending one before some time ago but I can't remember if it was over 3 years ago.I understand you cannot take the course if your last speed awareness course was less than 3 years ago.I am not sure how long ago it was.My notice is on green paper.

jb - 16-Mar-17 @ 4:41 PM

TEL2012 - Your Question:

I COMPLETED A SPEED AWARENESS COURSE 5 MONTHS AGO.I HAVE JUST RECEIVED A SPEEDING NOTICE.AS I CANNOT DO THE COURSE AGAIN, IS THERE ANY WAY OF AVOIDING POINTS ON MY LICENCE?

Our Response:

If you were genuinely speeding there's not much you can do to avoid points now that you have already taken a course. The only way you can reject this would be if the notice was not issued within 14 days of the offence etc. Please see the other information on this site. But don't raise your hopes in this istance...

NoPenaltyPoints - 8-Feb-17 @ 12:16 PM

I COMPLETED A SPEED AWARENESS COURSE 5 MONTHS AGO.
I HAVE JUST RECEIVED A SPEEDING NOTICE.
AS I CANNOT DO THE COURSE AGAIN, IS THERE ANY WAY OF AVOIDING POINTS ON MY LICENCE?

TEL2012 - 7-Feb-17 @ 9:45 AM

I've just received a speeding ticket from manned equipment. What are the laws on their visibility? Both me and my partner did not see any police vans? Any advice would be grateful. Thanks

Jenna - 28-Jan-17 @ 11:22 AM

SueP1 - Your Question:

I've just received two NIP's 11 minutes apart both for 35mph on the same stretch of road (one in each direction). Is there any benefit in appealing?I've had 30 years with a clean licence then a month ago received a legitimate NIP.just a bit worried now that I'll have 9 points on my licence.Any thoughts?

Our Response:

There aren't really any grounds for appealing if you were speeding at the time. There is a possibility you could be offered a speed awareness course if you live in an area that offers them.

NoPenaltyPoints - 4-Jan-17 @ 12:56 PM

I've just received two NIP's 11 minutes apart both for 35mph on the same stretch of road (one in each direction).Is there any benefit in appealing?
I've had 30 years with a clean licence then a month ago received a legitimate NIP...just a bit worried now that I'll have 9 points on my licence.
Any thoughts?

SueP1 - 3-Jan-17 @ 3:16 PM

pank - Your Question:

I passed my driving test 3 week back. Now I got 2 NIP's in the interval of 3 days. 1st was driving 36mph at 30zone and 2nd was 38mph in same zone same camera. I replied to 1st one and now thinking what to do with 2nd one. Should I wait for 1st one's offer or reply to 2nd one as well. Any chance if I can be offered speed awareness course?

Our Response:

No, you should reply to the second one as you don't know how long the offer for the first one will take to arrive. You don't want to be in a position where you post the form too late (it may go to court if you do).

NoPenaltyPoints - 3-Nov-16 @ 11:23 AM

I passed my driving test 3 week back. Now I got 2 NIP's in the interval of 3 days. 1st was driving 36mph at 30zone and 2nd was 38mph in same zone same camera. I replied to 1st one and now thinking what to do with 2nd one. Should I wait for 1st one's offer or reply to 2nd one as well. Any chance if I can be offered speed awareness course?

pank - 2-Nov-16 @ 6:51 PM

Got clocked today 37 in a 30 by pcso with a gun and mate stood next to her with a clipboard it was in an area without signs to say any cameras of any sort are used ....can I be issued a ticket through the. Post by them?

Devo - 5-Oct-16 @ 9:59 PM

Y don't speeding offences be standardised
Ie 10% above no points given but a fine like a parking ticket
11% to say15% 2 points
16%20% 3 points etc
Upto a straight forward ban
Then people who stray over just hits pocket people driving TOO fast. Banned?
This must be fairer than the system we have now we're one size boot kicks everyone

Y? - 31-Aug-16 @ 11:14 PM

Y don't speeding offences be standardised
Ie 10% above no points given but a fine like a parked no ticket
11% to say15% 2 points
16%20% 3 points etc
Upto a straight forward ban
Then people who stray over just hits pocket people driving TOO fast. Banned?
This must be fairer than the system we have now we're one size boot kicks everyone

Y? - 31-Aug-16 @ 11:12 PM

Hi I was just wondering I thought you couldn't get in trouble speeding if it was a handheld device but there were no signs to say there may be a camera within the certain area, the police detection signs.

emma1990 - 15-Aug-16 @ 12:46 PM

HI
I got a The Notice of Intended Prosecution but it was issued 2 months after the offense occurred so I want to contest it due to time barred. How do i go about doing this. Do i still need to send back the form?
Thanks
Jim

jimmy - 25-Jul-16 @ 5:18 PM

Odd one, passed a parked motorbike, not with Police markings but rather bike and rider in silver and black. I approached him from behind and could clearly see he was holding a device (looked like a camera with a lead which l led to his topbox). Being totally aware he was there I and the car in front of me went up the hill to the crest, where he was obviously hoping to catch people coming in the opposite direction unaware of his siting, at the required 30mph.
I have now received a NIP for me traveling at 38mph - not sure what he was, who he worked for, what equipment he had and how reliable this is - thoughts?

Neilsy - 21-Jul-16 @ 10:25 AM

Car- Your Question:

I have got a noip for doing 53 in a 30 but don't know if it was me or my partner driving can the camera show who it was

Our Response:

Yes, the police can often provide photos if you request them.

NoPenaltyPoints - 15-Jul-16 @ 10:27 AM

I have got a noip for doing 53 in a 30 but don't know if it was me or my partner driving can the camera show who it was

Car - 12-Jul-16 @ 1:19 PM

A couple of weeks ago I got caught speeding in a work car and got a NIP through the post. A week later I got another NIP through the post for my car back in March (it was over the 14 days due to change of ownership). I am a new driver and have only been driving for a year. Am I likely to get given two sets of 3 points which will mean I lose my liscnce or would I get put on a course and then given 3 points.

Banns - 14-Jun-16 @ 5:45 PM

tom - Your Question:

I got clocked by a local community group with a hair dryer type hand held detector. One person would hold the device, and the other would be writing down the reg number. As they are not police and their is no photographic evidence, can I still get speeding points?

Our Response:

No, you can only receive a warning if you're caught speeding at a community speed check.

NoPenaltyPoints - 16-May-16 @ 2:20 PM

I got clocked by a local community group with a hair dryer type hand held detector.One person would hold the device, and the other would be writing down the reg number.As they are not police and their is no photographic evidence, can i still get speeding points?

tom - 13-May-16 @ 5:24 PM

I recently accepted an SP30 (36mph in a 30mph zone), filled in the paperwork and paid the £100 fine which was taken from my bank account - but forgot to post off my license. I have now received paperwork saying that I failed to comply with the terms of the fixed offer and am being formally charged. I am so worried - what is the likely outcome in such scenarios? Many thanks.

Lise - 10-May-16 @ 5:19 PM

I recently was doing 60mph in a 50 mph zone,had the letter,sent it straight back.Will I get offered the awareness course.

Tont - 31-Mar-16 @ 9:59 PM

JulieB - Your Question:

I received a NIP in early December 2015 which I responded to immediately but have not yet had a penalty notice through. Is there a time period after which this will no longer be pursued by the authorities as it's now 2 months ago

Our Response:

The police have up to 6 months in which to initiate further proceedings.

NoPenaltyPoints - 15-Feb-16 @ 11:23 AM

I received a NIP in early December 2015 which I responded to immediately but have not yet had a penalty notice through.Is there a time period after which this will no longer be pursued by the authorities as it's now 2 months ago